Curcuma. Properties

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a yellowish rhizome from India and Southeast Asia.

Traditionally it has been used for hundreds of years as a spice and dye and as a natural substance in Ayurvedic medicine, used in cases of inflammation, wound healing and digestive disorders.

In recent years it has published numerous scientific literature on curcumin and its popularity among professionals has increased significantly. Following is a brief review of some of his most striking physical effects.

Modern uses of turmeric
There are over 1,500 references on the biological effects of curcumin in modern phytotherapy. Many of the effects are related to their greater biological activity compound, curcumin.

Anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric
The first studies of its anti-inflammatory effects were investigated in the early '70s, relating many of the characteristic effects of curcumin and curcumin with its ability to reduce inflammation. Especially it is documented that curcumin reduces the amount of inflammatory compounds as lipoxygenase, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), prostaglandin 2 (PGE2) and interleukin-1 (IL-1).

Effects on the joints
The effects of curcumin on joint health is related to its potent anti-inflammatory effects. It was first observed in 1980 and numerous studies have delved into the investigation of this action. A study by the University of Arizona published in 2006 showed that a turmeric extract inhibited inflammation and joint destruction.

Effects on the digestive system of turmeric
Again, many of the effects of curcumin on the digestive system is linked to their anti-inflammatory. A study by the University of Reading in 2004 demonstrated its ability to reduce pain / discomfort and other symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Another study conducted in China found that the use of turmeric in reduced colitis ulcers and had more superficial; improved the recovery of body weight, improved levels of anti-inflammatory compounds and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory compounds. A double-blind placebo-controlled confirmed that curcumin is a safe and promising substance for ulcerative colitis.

Curcumin has also been used in the treatment of dyspepsia, a common symptom of gallbladder disease. It also is believed to be choleretic, increasing production and bile flow.

Other effects of curcumin
Evidence indicates that turmeric has potent antioxidant activity, because it reacts with glutathione and may have an effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase.

The study suggests that turmeric may inhibit lipid peroxidation and reduce cholesterol levels plasmásticos, phospholipids and triglycerides. This effect could be potentially useful for people with high cholesterol and heart disease risk. A study has also shown that curcumin inhibits platelet aggregation, improving circulation and heart health.

Some studies also show benefits for liver health, reducing the liver damage caused by external toxins. A study in India found that turmeric reversed fatty liver changes such as alterations and necrosis caused by aflatoxin.